For over twenty-two years, long-time broadcaster Tim Denis has lent his voice to support Niagara Children’s Centre.
One of Denis’s fondest memories was hosting a radio-thon fundraiser at the Pen Centre in St. Catharines early in his tenure with 610 CKTB. This event held personal significance as he witnessed his nephew, Ryan, then a recipient of the Centre’s services, interviewed by radio hosts, including himself. The heart and maturity that his nephew demonstrated added a personal connection that has continued to inspire Denis over the years.
“I had a job that gave me the ability to highlight certain issues or subjects and that’s a real privilege,” Denis shared. “I wanted to centre it on helping groups that weren’t getting a great deal of publicity and bringing stories to life that haven’t been heard before.”
On June 21, Denis was recognized for his contributions when he was presented with the Centre’s annual Dr. Orr Tribute Award at the organization’s employee recognition dinner.
“Dr. Orr was a local surgeon and Rotarian who played a vital role in the establishment of Niagara Children’s Centre,” said Fisher to the audience in attendance. “He volunteered at clinics even before the Centre’s inception, tirelessly pursuing his dream of a Children’s Treatment Centre for Niagara.”
Dr. Orr served as the Centre’s first Medical Director and founding Chair, maintaining these roles without salary for over three decades. His legacy continues to be inspired through the Dr. Orr Wing and the Dr. Orr Trust Fund.
In 2014, to commemorate its 50th anniversary and honour Dr. Orr’s enduring impact, the Centre introduced the Dr. Orr Tribute Award, with Denis emceeing the milestone event. In a fitting full-circle moment, the organization recognized him for the profound impact he has made through his voice and platform.
“It’s humbling being mentioned in the same sentence as Dr. Orr,” Denis shared. “All I could hope to do in my role was to amplify and give a voice to the work he had done.”
Recipients of the award, like Denis, are recognized for their dedication to supporting the mission and vision of the Children’s Centre and positively impacting the quality of life of children and youth with disabilities in the Niagara Region.
“Tim’s unique ability to connect with people and tell their stories has profoundly amplified the Centre’s message and mission,” said Fisher during her dedication speech. “His compassionate and genuine interview style has given a voice to countless families, staff, and supporters, making their journeys and the Centre’s impact widely known and appreciated in the community.”
A beloved broadcaster and entertainer, Denis has been a pillar in the Niagara community for 47 years, with the last 28 years as the morning show host on 610 CKTB radio. His involvement with Niagara Children’s Centre included participating in numerous events, promotional campaigns, and countless on-air interviews.
“Tim and his interviewees were able to illustrate and amplify the need, the hope and the impact of Niagara Children’s Centre to the broader Niagara community,” said Fisher.
Denis shared how he would ensure he put guests at ease by letting them know that they can be themselves and to picture it as a conversation between them.
“You never try to put yourself in their shoes because you can’t,” he said. “Everyone has an individual story to tell.”
After his final show on April 30, Denis’s commitment to the Centre continued, serving as emcee for the organization’s Help Kids Shine celebration brunch on May 31.
Reflecting on his career, Denis is proud of the awareness he’s raised for the Children’s Centre, helping families realize they no longer need to travel as far as McMaster Children’s Centre or SickKids for support.
“People need to know that support is available right here when needed,” said Denis. “The wider community should also be aware that they can contribute their time and money to an organization in Niagara.”
About Niagara Children’s Centre:
Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and support services to nearly 5,300 children and youth last year across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. The range of services include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.
